Patch Picks: Five Great Spring Break Staycations

Each week, Lakeville Patch will run a weekly feature called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, and ways to spend a day off.

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The snow is disappearing, baseball is arriving and area car washes are floating in customers. That’s a good sign spring break is here.

If flying to take part in the bikini-clad mayhem of Cancun and Panama City Beach isn’t quite your scene or gas prices have put a damper on driving far from home, there are plenty of options locally to take a break this spring. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure with the kids, a quick getaway from the job or a romantic hideaway with the S.O., Patch has you covered with this week’s Patch Picks for a Spring Break Staycation.

Water Park Hotels – Get a jump on the swimsuit season with stay at one of the many area hotels with indoor water parks. Options include: Water Park of America, Grand Rios, The Depot and The Venetian. All have hotels attached and packages that include water park activities. Race the kids down a monster slide or relax on a lazy river while they splash away.

Camper Cabins – It’s never a bad time to enjoy the great Minnesota outdoors, but if you don’t quite have all the camping gear ready to go, consider a stay at Minnesota State Park camper cabin. Afton, William O’Brien and Lake Maria state parks are all close by and feature cabin-style bunkhouses. Afton and William O’Brien cabins are also equipped with electricity and heat. Many other state parks also feature these year-round cabins that make for a fun, comfortable getaway any time of year.

Urban B&Bs – Find a romantic hideaway and enjoy the character of an area bed & breakfast. When a standard hotel room or travelling crowds won’t do, dip in to the solitude and ambiance of one of these urban bed & breakfast retreats. The Covington Inn, Elmwood House, Wales House and Historic Heights are all quiet lodging options with hidden nooks perfect for curling up with a good book, peaceful contemplation or finding a romantic spark.

Casino Action – They may not have the grandeur of Vegas, but Minnesota’s casinos still have plenty of flashing lights and electronic beeping noises to satisfy those seeking a little action. Hotel rates are reasonable and the buffets are all-u-can eat. Plus, there’s no red-eye flight involved. Try your luck on the floor or enjoy some live entertainment at Mystic Lake, Treasure Island or Grand Casino. You can still let whatever happens there stay there if you want.

Metro Museum Tour – Save your money on lodging and take day-trip tours of the metro area’s wealth of museums. If the spring weather still isn’t to your liking, these indoor options are always family favorites and there’s something for everyone. Some favorite options include: Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Children’s Museum, Minnesota History Center, Mill City Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Walker Art Center, Minnesota Raptor Center and the Twin City Model Railroad Museum.